Hi there,
Quick programming note: the feedback after last week’s care task was that most folks preferred to receive their weekly business care task on Mondays rather than Sundays, so you’ll be getting these messages on Monday mornings going forward 😊
On to our regularly-scheduled message…
If you haven't updated your professional photos in a while, or if you stuck a blurry placeholder photo of yourself up 5 years ago and never got around to posting a new one: it's time.
While hiring a professional photographer is obviously a great idea, you can bridge the gap using your cell phone camera in the meantime. (Cell phone cameras have come a LONG way in the last few years.)
This week, see if you can find a few opportunities to snap some photos that might be possible to use on your website or elsewhere.
Don’t stress about perfection. This is just to have something usable for the time being. There's a short pep talk in the video accompanying this post in case the idea of having your photo taken makes you want to hide under your desk indefinitely.
Have a friend help you get a few photos this week. Worse case scenario: you hate them all and keep whatever you're currently using. Best case scenario: you have an updated photo to use professionally.
I know you can do it.
Warmly,
Camille
💌 May Care Task #1: Take a few photos of yourself to use in your business
Ask someone to help! You can set up your own camera if needed, but this will be easier with someone else to take the photos.
Find somewhere with great natural light. Try facing a window inside, go outside around sunrise or sunset, or find a place with soft shade. Avoid mid-day/harsh shadows on your face.
Have your helper hold the camera at your eye level. The rear camera on your phone is usually higher quality than the "selfie-mode" one, so be sure to use that if possible. If you're alone, prop your phone up somewhere or use a stand.
Leave a bit of space above your head, and include your shoulders. We want your face to be fully in the frame and not hidden by shadows, a hat, etc.
Make sure the camera lens is clean. Wipe it with a microfiber cloth if needed.
Take several shots. Smile!
Light editing/cropping is fine, but don't get too carried away with filters. You want to look like yourself in these photos so that clients aren't surprised when they meet you for the first time.
Yay! You did it. Don't worry about posting these anywhere now. We'll do that next week 😊I'd love to hear how it went!
🌟 Extra Activities 🌟
Look to see what photography services are available locally. Check out their portfolios and get a feel for the packages/pricing for your favorites. Even if it's not in the budget right now, at least you'll have a feel for what this costs if you choose to get photos in the future.
If it's in your budget, schedule a shoot with a professional photographer. Our local co-working space hosts short headshot sessions quarterly for about $50, so this doesn't have to be super expensive! Some photographers are also open to trades/bartering.
If you get a few photos that you like and are having trouble choosing which to use, you can always ask friends, family, or social media followers to help you narrow things down.
✔️ Other Reminders
Paid subscribers have access to my weekly planning video. If you haven’t yet, take about 15 min to reflect on last week and get yourself set up for the week ahead.
Co-working restarts for paid subscribers this week. We'll meet Wednesday, May 1 from 2-3 pm ET. Co-working continues every Wednesday through early August. This is the perfect time to work on your weekly business care task, to catch up on client notes, do your bookkeeping, etc.
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